Foo - Registry cleaning...good or bad idea?

I've been following a regular cleaning routine for years

I run a utility that deletes temp files etc.
Then I do an adware scan
Then a virus scan
then a registry clean utility
then a registry defrag utility
then the disc defrag function in windows

I've done it every month or 2 for years without ill effect but recently some IT friend said "are you nuts?...don't touch the registry!"

Am I'm really doing something stupid? Oh and if you want to pity this non-technical fool...go ahead. I draw the line at outright abuse and derision though. :D

You're nuts.

And so am i. :D

I use CCleaner to clean up the registry every month or two (along with most of the other stuff you mentioned).

I use CCCleaner and Advanced System Care for Windows without a problem. Then again, I periodically backup my registry and have no fear in using regedit, so working with the registry does not concern me.

It's a good idea, but try to use a registry cleaner that does not install itself, as that may implant a registry key. Registry defrags are good to do maybe twice a month, and you shouldn't need to defrag your hard drive (if you do, then there might be something up with your hard drive).

I use a suite consisting of

Avast Anti-Virus
Eusing Free Registry Cleaner
MalwareBytes
Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel (to disable all those millions of unnecessary things)

Works well for me..

I just rebuild my system from the install disks on a regular basis. I don't trust registry cleaners.

I just rebuild my system from the install disks on a regular basis. I don't trust registry cleaners.

That is major hassle. I guess I could re-install if the registry cleaner stops the thing working.

I think it is a good idea, but I don't do it on a regular basis.

I have used software (for work) that would not always install properly if the registry had not been cleaned.

I just spray some Windex on it.

I use the combination of programs for integrity validation:

Norton Endpoint Protection (thorough scanner and has protection for modern hazards such as trojans, keyloggers, and zombie bots.)
CCleaner (paid for). It should be on everyone's machine. In fact, I put it in a corporate image.
Spybot Seach & Destroy. This is an older utility, but its still updated and is worth running.

I highly recommend a backup program like Retrospect, Backup Exec, Acronis TrueImage, or something that can completely back up a machine. This will make a complete restore due to a dead registry just consist of booting, starting the restore, and rebooting back into a working system.

That is major hassle. I guess I could re-install if the registry cleaner stops the thing working.

Well, I make sure I can rebuild in a reasonable amount of time.

Good way to prevent myself from installing stupid software. :)

One thing I have done is do what is called a repair install (http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm#RI). You boot the XP CD, skip the part of going to the recovery console, then reinstall the OS over the old one without deleting the old one.

How much stuff are you installing that you're cleaning that often?

Scan for the stuff, back it up - check to make sure nothings been installed.

It's a computer - worse that can happen is you'll have to reinstall. An IT guy is saying you're nuts for cleaning it?

How much stuff are you installing that you're cleaning that often?

Scan for the stuff, back it up - check to make sure nothings been installed.

It's a computer - worse that can happen is you'll have to reinstall. An IT guy is saying you're nuts for cleaning it?

I hardly install anything. I pretty much just use office and use internet. No gaming, music, movies software. It is my work pc and wasting time on BF pc.

IT guy said i am nuts for cleaning registry and shouldn't do anything to it at all. Sounded suspicious to me so I asked here since there are so many IT experts it seems and it turns out the view is cleaning is ok by and large.

I don't fool with the registry unless I am having a problem.

IT guy said i am nuts for cleaning registry and shouldn't do anything to it at all. Sounded suspicious to me so I asked here since there are so many IT experts it seems and it turns out the view is cleaning is ok by and large.

Perhaps he misinterpreted you as going into your reg and deleting/modifying things yourself. That could get a little hairy.